Luxor, the city of god and the great kings

Travelling to Luxor is a lifetime experience, as if in a time machine that takes you back to the great times of Egypt’s legendary kings, queens, deities and above all Egypt’s exquisite capital of civilization.

It is a layered city, each inch of it witnessed great times, then had been covered with newer monuments of greater beauty and glamour.

You might need two months to really enjoy Luxor, but for those of us who are on tight time schedules, here is a 2-Day itinerary for a tasting visit, far from getting the real thing, but has a taste of all.

The River Nile cuts the ancient capital of glorious Egypt in half. Starting from the north east, your eyes will meet the Karnak Temple complex, the second largest ancient religious site in the world, after the Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia. Karnak was the most significant religious complex in Ancient Egypt; everything is built at a super giant scale. From its huge decorated pillars to the obelisks, statues and kiosk, the Karnak complex will definitely leave you astonished; it took around 2,000 years to finish it completely. You say two days? Ok!

Moving southward, your eyes will meet the Luxor Museum, followed by the Luxor Temple. Built during the New Kingdom by both Amenhotep III and Ramses II, the Temple of Luxor was dedicated to Amun Ra, considered as the God of the Kings and the King of the Gods. Walking down the The Avenue of the Sphinxes, which once connected Luxor Temple with Karnak is an impressive walk, especially as you are guarded by the giant statues of Ramses II.

Seeing the two marvels in the day, will never be the end, as you need to see them in the evening Sound and Light Show, between your city market visits and the many restaurants featuring Egyptian food that the ancient city will offer you.

The Nile River is a companion in your trip, it flows along the Cornish road, with many local felucca and boat sailors inviting you to a visit to the other side of the ancient capital, just across the great river.

On this other side, you are welcomed to a thrilling voyage between the many resting places of Egypt’s ancient nobles, kings and queens. You can even get a bird’s eye view should you decide to take a hot air balloon trip.

From the Memnon Colossi, to the great Der Al Bahary temple of Queen Hatshepsut and from the Valley of the queens, where the most beautiful Nefertary is resting, to the Valley of the kings, where the young lavish King Tut awaits for your visit.

Even for the short time you have, you need to pay tribute to the Ancient Napoleon of Egypt, Tuthmosis III, and as well, make a stop at Howard Carter’s small place.

You said only two days? Well, that’s what you get on Luxor’s plate, next time, be prepared for the real thing; as Luxor is a giant treasure, it is the world’s largest open museum, but only for those who have the time and the heart to get to know her in person, and recognize its splendor. Seeing is believing, and Luxor invites you to see, feel and live, not just walk like an Egyptian.